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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 12:04 p.m., Saturday, June 14, 2008

Mililani's Bacalso captures ASP qualifying series event

Advertiser News Services

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Hawai'i's Kekoa Bacalso cuts back on a wave during championship round of the SriLankan Airlines Pro today at Pasta Point, Maldives.

ASP, DARA | Associated Press

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Hawai'i surfers — led by winner Kekoa Bacalso of Mililani — dominated the 6-Star PRIME SriLankan Airlines Pro, an Association of Surfing Professionals World Qualifying Series meet at Pasta Point, Maldives.

Bacalso defeated Kaua'i's Dustin Barca in the 35-minute final, 17.87 to 13.67, in 4- to 6-foot surf for the $15,000 first prize. Barca received $7,400.

The ASP's World Qualifying Series determines which surfers qualify for the main tour.

"So stoked to finally win at ASP WQS level," Bacalso said. "After winning the ASP World Junior title a few years ago, the pressures been on me to perform at WQS level but it's been really hard. The competition is so tough and to finally break through is such a relief. The waves have been amazing here and the Hawaiians have ripped every day."

Five Hawai'i surfers came into today's eight-man quarterfinals.

Bacalso defeated Makakilo's Joel Centeio and Barca defeated Leonardo Neves of Brazil in the semifinals. Centeio and Neves shared third place.

Makuakai Rothman of the North Shore and 'Ewa Beach's Dustin Cuizon were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Bacalso and Centeio, respectively.

"It's been an amazing event for the Hawaiians," Barca said. "In the Final, we just surfed together out there and had a great time in perfect waves. I made a few mistakes mid-heat, but overall, wow, what a great event this has been."

Information from aspworldtour.com was used in this report.